CONNECTICUT MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 15 YEARS
IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR TRADING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2012

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS E. STICKLE, 41, formerly of Hartford and Torrington, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from December 2009 to May 2010, STICKLE traded images of child pornography with other individuals by email. A forensic examination of STICKLE’s computer and email account revealed approximately 478 images and six videos of child pornography. Most of the images were of children under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

On May 10, 2012, STICKLE pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on STICKLE’s prior state conviction. On August 8, 2003, in Connecticut Superior Court in Litchfield, STICKLE was convicted of possession of child pornography, sexual assault of a minor, and illegal sexual contact with a minor.

STICKLE has been detained in state custody since May 21, 2010, when he was arrested for violating the terms of his probation in connection with his prior state conviction.

This case was investigated by the ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj Patel.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, and the District of Connecticut’s “Operation Constant Vigilance,” which are aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.